Dubois is a town steeped in history. The ancient Mountain Shoshone who lived here first left no written records, but many tantalizing traces remain like mysterious petroglyphs, fantastic rock art images carved with great effort and skill by unknown hands, hunters’ blinds and sheep traps constructed with fallen limbs and branches, were used to capture the bighorn sheep which were a major part of their diet. In the badlands lies a collection of teepee rings, and stone circles that once supported their dwellings.
Ancient History
Recent History
From its early days as a trading post on the Oregon Trail to its role in the development of the Old West, our town preserves its heritage with pride.
Butch Cassidy walked and rode these streets. He owned a ranch property north of town, shopped at Welty’s General Store, and utilized, but never robbed, the old red stone bank. Some local guides identify structures in the woods as hideouts for the Hole in the Wall gang. A few old-timers have insisted that they saw and spoke with Butch here after he was reportedly killed in South America.
Dubois is…
The town of Dubois was incorporated in 1914. In the same year, Wyoming Tie and Timber Company opened log milling operations here, eventually becoming the nation’s largest source of railroad ties. The “tie hack” operations ended in 1949, after which Louisiana Pacific operated a sawmill in town until 1988.
Today the valley’s original attractions for its settlers — ranching, lumbering, and respite or adventure for people who want a break in the mountains or an authentic Western experience — remain central to the character of Dubois.
There’s so much to see and do around Dubois!
For a start, see how much you can complete of our Dubois Bucket List. You can also download it here.
1. Find a sheep’s skull embedded in a tree trunk (and much more!) in the Dubois Museum.
2. Make a bead necklace all your own at Tukadeka Traders.
3. Climb (bike or drive) to the top of the Scenic Overlook and locate Ramshorn Peak. Follow the mountain bike path for some exercise with a terrific view.
4. Learn to tell a Bighorn Sheep from a Mountain Goat (and much more!) at the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center.
5. Ride a horse into the wonderful wilderness. (It’s easy to find a ride. Look at www.duboiswyoming.org or ask at the Visitor Center.)
6. Try not to get tangled up in the Square Dance on Friday evening at the Rustic Pine Tavern. Children are more than welcome; they are often the best dancers. (Don’t worry! No experience required. The caller teaches everyone what to do.)
7. Have a picnic in the Town Park. Stroll the lovely River Walk on both sides of the Wind River, and then have a little splash in the water to cool down.
8. Find some native trout at the Fish Hatchery (or in the river).
9. Take a hike in the mountains. Don’t forget sunscreen and bear spray! (Get kitted out at Wind River Gear or SuperFoods.)
10. Snag a bargain or a souvenir at the Opportunity Shop.
11. Take a selfie on the big jackalope, and then see how many other huge wildlife sculptures you can find (and “shoot”) in town.
12. Have a hoot at the authentic small-town rodeo on Friday evening.
Tell us about your favorite find that we left off this list! Please write us at destinationdubois@gmail.com.